Neelyville teacher Jessica Newcomb spent last year with the same class she had when she started teaching with the district.
Newcomb started out teaching kindergarten and second grade 14 years ago and moved to Neelyville High School two years ago, just in time to see her first class graduate.
“It was so cool to see the full circle; the full swing of things,” she said.
The Neelyville School district recently named Newcomb Teacher of the Year for the high school and the district.
Tammy Maloy was named as Hillview Elementary Teacher of the Year, LaMonica Moore as Neelyville Elementary and Madison Shearer as Neelyville Junior High School Teacher of the Year.
This is the second year the district named teachers of the year.
“I was just mind blown,” Newcomb said. “I really do enjoy my job and I put a lot into it, which I know every teacher does, but it’s just so nice to be recognized for something I’m so passionate about.”
Newcomb started at Missouri State University as a business major and took the opportunity to return to her roots two years ago.
She moved from teaching elementary students to teach high school businesses. She’s also the co-adviser for the Future Business Leaders of America and yearbook adviser.
“I was ready for something different,” she said. “I went from one end of the spectrum to the other because I was lower elementary, I was second grade and kindergarten, and then high school so it was a big change, but it was a good change ... I’ve enjoyed both. Both age groups have been wonderful.”
Newcomb said the administration and her coworkers helped make for a good transition.
When it comes to teaching, Newcomb said, she carries over a philosophy she learned as a student.
“I don’t remember much of what I learned, but I remember how they treated me,” she said. “That’s one thing I kind of carry over in my own classroom. Building relationships with the kids, because if you have a good relationship, everything else falls into place. It really has worked out well for me.”
Outside of school, Newcomb is the mother of two children, 11-year-old Brayden and 4-year-old Gracen. She’s married to Jason Newcomb.
The family owns a cattle farm, enjoys traveling and going to local sporting events.
“I’m a big sports watcher,” she said. “I love watching all the local high school sports ... I get very into that. I like to see these kids do well because I feel like (for) school, yes they’re here to do learn, first and foremost.
“But, I feel like what really keeps them in is the extracurricular stuff, whether it be sports or drama or choir or FFA. Anything that suits their niches in life. I feel like those are so good and so important.”
One of her favorite memories, Newcomb said, was last year’s graduation.
“I think my favorite part so far has been watching those kindergarten students graduate last year,” she said. “Just seeing from the very beginning to the very end was really special. I felt like I had a part in the beginning and I also had a part in the end. I hope they remember me.”
Editor’s note: This is the first of several stories that will appear in April and May recognizing outstanding teachers in Butler County.